The West Midlands faces a stark choice of continuing to grow economically or looking backwards, according to Andy Street, managing director of John Lewis and prospective Conservative candidate for West Midlands mayor.
Speaking for the first time since applying to be the West Midlands Conservative mayoral candidate, Street outlined why he wants to be mayor ahead of a selection meeting by party members on 29 September. If Street is successful in securing support from the Conservative party, he will stand down from his position at John Lewis.
“As a proud Brummie, having been brought up here, I have recently seen the beginning of the renaissance of the West Midlands. But it needs to go much further and touch the daily lives of many more residents.
“Over the past five years, I have led the Greater Birmingham & Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership. I’ve witnessed how our region is beginning a transformation not seen for half a century.
“The new role of mayor offers a once-in-a-generation opportunity to accelerate this transformation and truly realise our potential.
“Our mayor needs to be a strong voice for the West Midlands, accomplished at putting our case to government and being an ambassador around the world, whilst at the same time addressing issues that matter locally: jobs, housing, transport and skills, from Coventry to Wolverhampton.
“I believe I have the necessary experience and skills to make a success of this new role for the benefit of all.
“We must not squander this opportunity. The region faces a stark choice: do we embrace this renaissance by growing the economy in a way which benefits everybody and thus become Britain’s Powerhouse? Or, do we look backwards? There is only one answer. If I’m the candidate, I will work tirelessly to make this happen.”
On May 4 2017, voters across the West Midlands will decide who will be the region’s first directly elected mayor. He or she will be responsible for leading the West Midlands Combined Authority and tackling economic and social challenges like transport, skills, housing and job creation.
Sion Simon MP is standing for the position on behalf of the Labour party.
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